Taking suicide seriously After reading recent reports on how high the rate of suicide is in our country especially during this time of the year; the fact that people are out there feeling so alone, so unloved, so worthless, so abused and hurt to the extent of taking their lives has really been weighing heavily on my heart. I just can’t even begin to wrap my head around the fact that people wake up thinking “why am I still here?” I imagine how tormenting it must be to reach that point in your thought process where you feel that there is absolutely nothing to live for anymore. With the rate of suicide in Namibia - so high that it is now beyond worrisome - the time to speak openly about suicide and its causes and possible prevention has clearly arrived, especially with the festive season approaching, which is the season during which the rate of suicide tends to peak. We simply tend to ignore this growing social issue; perhaps because we are in denial which is fitting because denial is one of the phases in the grieving process and clearly we are mourning the loss of life through suicide which has been plaguing our nation for years now. However, silence on these issues only perpetuates them and causes stereotypes that prevent would-be victims from seeking the care, attention and intervention that they so deeply crave and need. Social issues such as poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence and emotional disturbances such as depression are factors that can be linked to suicide. If a friend or family member is talking about suicide, it should be taken very seriously. Talking about intentions to commit suicide is a cry for help that deserves to be met with a listening ear and a warm heart. There are a few clear-cut signs which should sound off the alarm bells if a loved one or friend is experiencing feelings of anxiety, agitation, substance abuse, insomnia, extreme mood and behavioural changes, feelings of hopelessness, social withdrawal, reckless behaviour and uncontrolled anger. If a person talks about it or you experience yourself wanting to hurt or kill yourself, or is someone threatens to hurt or kill themselves, or talks about looking for a method to kill themselves, seek immediate help or guidance by contacting a mental health professional or a suicide prevention hotline like those offered by Lifeline Childline Namibia or at the Windhoek Central Mental Hospital. Suicide is often seen as a selfish act and victims and survivors of suicide are often met with contempt which is counterproductive in the prevention, healing and helping process. As challenging as it may seem, do your best not to pass judgement, or deny, and most importantly do not promise to keep it a secret… it is imperative that you help others to or seek support for yourself and your loved one, should you find yourself in the midst of such a predicament. Help and support is readily available if only you tap into your personal power, courage and strength to reach out and receive the care that you deserve.www.yogabybeauty.wordpress.com